Dark green Peugeot 403 estate car from 1962 La Poste - PTT
Scale: 1/43rd
Please note: the first image, a computer-generated rendering, may not fully match the vehicle offered in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
This dark green Peugeot 403 estate of 1962 in the colours of La Poste PTT is much more than a simple model car. It embodies an era when French commercial vehicles travelled through the countryside and towns, proudly carrying the colours of the public postal service. This faithful reproduction captures the essence of a service vehicle that left its mark on the history of mail delivery in France.
A genuine collector's item, this model is aimed at enthusiasts of French cars, collectors of service vehicles and lovers of postal history. Its authentic livery and meticulous details make it a prized addition to any collection devoted to French automotive heritage.
Launched in 1955, the Peugeot 403 marked a major stylistic break for the Sochaux-based manufacturer. Styled by Pininfarina, it abandoned the rounded pre-war lines in favour of a more modern and elegant silhouette. The estate version, available from 1956, met the needs of professionals and public administrations of the day perfectly.
With its 1.5-litre engine producing 58 hp, the 403 estate offered an excellent balance of performance and economy. Its tailgate and folding rear seat made it easy to carry mail, parcels and postal equipment. The legendary robustness of this Peugeot made it the ideal choice for the PTT, which needed reliable vehicles for their daily rounds.
This estate version enjoyed remarkable commercial success, especially among professionals. The PTT, but also the gendarmerie, fire services and many businesses, adopted this versatile model on a large scale, leaving its mark on the French automotive landscape of the 1960s.
In 1962, Peugeot was enjoying a period of remarkable expansion. Founded in 1810 by the Peugeot family, the company had gradually moved from metalworking into car making. In the early 1960s, the French manufacturer was one of the leaders of the domestic market, competing with Citroën and Renault.
The era of the 403 estate coincided with Peugeot's golden age of technical innovation. The lion brand developed ingenious solutions to meet the specific needs of every market segment. Peugeot commercial vehicles enjoyed an exceptional reputation for reliability, which explains their widespread adoption by public bodies such as the PTT.
This period also saw the rise of motoring in France. The Trente Glorieuses (the post-war boom years) transformed the automotive landscape, and Peugeot kept pace with this revolution by offering vehicles suited to the new lifestyles and working habits of the French.
The story of this Peugeot 403 PTT estate is part of the great modernisation of the French postal service. Before the 1960s, mail was delivered mainly on foot, by bicycle or by public transport. The arrival of dedicated vehicles like this 403 estate literally revolutionised the postman's job.
These green estates travelled the length and breadth of France every day, from the Paris suburbs to the most remote villages. Each morning, postmen loaded their Peugeot 403 with mail bags, parcels and registered letters. The vehicle became a mobile extension of the post office, helping to optimise rounds and improve the quality of service.
A delightful story tells how, in Provence, some postmen discreetly used their PTT estates to transport the first televisions of local residents, relying on the absolute trust the postal vehicle inspired. These Peugeot 403 estates thus became privileged witnesses to the transformation of French society in the 1960s.
Even today, the sight of a green 403 estate brings back childhood memories for many French people, when the postman's arrival in his green vehicle was a daily event everyone looked forward to. These cars embody an era when the public postal service built close ties with citizens, contributing to the identity and territorial cohesion of the nation.
This Peugeot 403 PTT estate has a special place in the world of French model cars. It fits perfectly into collections devoted to Peugeot vehicles, as well as thematic sets dedicated to public service vehicles. Collectors will especially appreciate how it complements other PTT models from the period.
For fans of French cars, this model pairs beautifully with other iconic estates of the 1960s, such as the Citroën ID Break or the Renault Estafette. It also has its place in a collection devoted to 1960s vehicles, a golden era for French motoring.
This 1:43 scale reproduction appeals as much to seasoned collectors as to newcomers wanting to start a themed collection. Enthusiasts of postal history, lovers of French automotive heritage and collectors of estate cars will find an authentic model full of history, a reminder of a bygone era when French cars ruled the roads.
Stephane Bazille
14 November 2026
Always delivered within the agreed deadlines, well-packaged and protected materials. Nothing negative to report. A constantly renewed range that, despite the intention to remain cautious, always finds new temptations...
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.